Are you not getting calls for interviews? Here are a few tips that may help you out.
- Double-Check the Requirements in The Job Posting
There is a chance you may be automatically filtered out of an employer’s candidate tracking system based on requirements or preferences. Something as simple as forgetting to list your GED/High school diploma or other certifications may cause your resume to be overlooked. Things such as years in the field may be evident on your resume from your job experience but some systems want it put in plain words on your resume (I.E. Six years of Caregiving Experience). The top of your resume or introduction would be a great place to add key information like this. There is also the chance you may have missed a qualification question or two when applying to the position on a job site. This can easily happen but can lead to your resume/application being automatically rejected or hidden. If you are able to edit your application make sure to do so, if not it is a good idea to reach out to the employer with your additional information.
- Have Your Contact Information Updated and Easy to Access
A large issue can be a lack of contact information in your resume. It is smart to not only include a professional email that you check regularly but also your personal cell phone number. If it has been a while since you updated your resume, make sure to do so before applying to a company. Old email addresses or disconnected numbers on resumes can lead to employers attempting to contact you but being unsuccessful. Employers will not take the time to dig through the internet send multiple emails in attempts to contact you so make sure you can be available and connected for the first time. It is typically best practice to create a header in which you have your first and last name, email address, and phone number.
- Use Keywords or Phrases From The Posting
A lot of applicant tracking systems use keywords or phrases to look up applicants. Some systems also use these keywords to filter in or out resumes based on the job posting. Therefore it is a good idea to scan over the job posting and find a few keywords or phrases that keep popping up. This can be especially true for words that can be used interchangeably, so make sure yours is the same as theirs. For example, if the posting is for an in-home caregiver, you should make sure your labels and resume include in-home caregiving and relevant activities. Also, highlight such relevant experience toward the top of your resume in your introduction. Continuing from tip number one you may have six years of caregiving experience, four of which are in-home caregiving. This will make it so when they search for resumes yours will pop up as a strong candidate.
- Give Them a Call
As simple of a task as it is, it is one that is not done enough. A simple call to the employer may be all you need. Employers often appreciate the initiative and will likely schedule an interview just for calling (as long as you meet their requirements). If not you can at least get a solid reason for why they may have rejected your resume/application. They may have also intended to call you but it may have fallen by the wayside due to emergencies, scheduling needs, or even just simple forgetfulness. A call will put you at the front of their mind and again makes you stand out against your fellow candidates. This also gives you an opportunity to ask any lingering questions you may have about the position or the company.